Fishing report: Catawba still has good spots

CATAWBA ISLAND – Anglers going ice fishing this week are going to need a 2015 Ohio fishing license.

The 2014 licenses expired Feb. 28.

Current licenses are available at many local bait stores or online at www.oh.wildlifelicense.com/index_hf.php.

The daily bag limit for walleye also has dropped to four through April 30. The minimum size limit for walleye is 15 inches.

The best fishing holes for walleye lately have been north and west of Catawba Island and 3 to 9 miles off the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Ohio Report.

Rickard’s Bait and Tackle in Portage Township reports good spots are 3 to 5 miles west of Catawba Island State Park and southeast of West Sister Island.

Fish have been biting early in the morning and late in the day, with midday hours being slower, according to the bait store’s fishing report.

Most anglers are using jigging spoons tipped with emerald shiners, according to ODNR. Rickard’s reports multiple colors or lures are working.

Panfish, such as bluegill and crappie, still are being caught in harbors and marinas around Marblehead and Catawba Island. East Harbor has been a popular spot.

Many are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics, according to ODNR.

Meanwhile, ODNR reminds anglers that parking at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is limited to the parking lots and along the northbound lane between the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center and the beach only.

mksmith@gannett.com

419-334-1044

Twitter: @kristinasmithNM